Jordon Ibe reaping rewards of hard work at Bournemouth, says Eddie Howe

Friday 22 September 2017 11:31, UK

Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe has praised the professionalism of Jordon Ibe who he says is starting to reap the rewards of his hard work.

Ibe came off the bench to provide both assists in last Friday's 2-1 victory over Brighton and then played 100 minutes of Bournemouth's Carabao Cup game against the same opposition four days later.

The 21-year-old former Liverpool winger joined the Cherries in the summer of 2016, and Howe was pleased with the contribution Ibe has made in the last two matches.

Speaking ahead of Saturday's trip to Everton, Howe said: "Jordon looked confident when he came on.

"He looked sure of himself, took the game to Brighton and then created the two goals, and carried that on in midweek.

"He was all over the pitch, technically good and positive, and a good week for him as well as us.

"Working with him, he has the talent and the tools to do well. He's come in on his days off and worked with the coaches, and shown a willingness to improve.

"Sometimes you get instant rewards, sometimes it takes time. And that's the challenge for the players, when you don't get the instant returns.

"But he's been patient and hopefully he's seen the progression."

Last week's win at home to Brighton ended a run of four straight defeats, which had left Bournemouth without a single Premier League point since the start of the season.

Howe admitted it was vital to get off the mark, in order to generate some confidence within the club.

"Winning is everything," he added. "The players need to feel it, so do the supporters who need to believe in their team, so those two wins have done us the world of good.

"But we now play Everton and will try to carry on that momentum.

"It doesn't matter what stage of the season you're at, going into games believing you are going to win is massive.

"But if you start the season with a run of defeats, it's the worst possible time because you start to question yourself even more. But the players have responded well."

Regarding this weekend's game at Goodison Park, Howe says defender Tyrone Mings is the only definite absentee.

"Tyrone misses out with a back problem. We thought it would be OK and manageable but he's seen a specialist and it has been recommended he takes a month's rest.

"And we'll see what that does. Hopefully, the rest will cure it and with an international break, hopefully he'll miss just three or four games.

"Apart from that I think we're pretty much OK. A lot of players put in good performances on Tuesday and are in contention to start.

"We could have won by a lot more and it's given me food for thought. And when you have competition for places that should serve us well."